Why pre-season training matters for teenage players
Pre-season isn’t just about getting back on the pitch after a break. For teenage players, it’s an important time to rebuild fitness, sharpen their football skills and prepare both physically and mentally for the season ahead.
With the right training drills, players can gradually improve their fitness, technique and confidence before competitive matches begin.
Drill 1: Passing & First Touch
What you need:
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1 football
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2 players
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Cones to create a small grid
How to do it:
Set up a small grid with your cones and start with a partner on the opposite side. Pass the ball to your partner, then move to the right to create some space. As the ball comes back, use your back foot to receive it and take your first touch into the space beside you.
Carry the ball down the side of the grid, then repeat the drill from the other side.
Football Flick tip:
Keep your first touch controlled but positive. Try to receive the ball on the move and take your next touch into space rather than stopping the ball completely. This helps you get comfortable receiving and moving quickly during a game.
Drill 2: Speed & Agility
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1 football
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1 Football Flick Skills Trainer
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1 player
Start a few metres away from the Skills Trainer with the ball. Pass or kick the ball into the trainer and react to the returning ball. Control it with your first touch, move around the trainer and quickly return the ball.
Repeat the movement from different angles and gradually increase the speed. Focus on quick feet, sharp changes of direction and keeping the ball under control.
Football Flick tip:
Try to react quickly rather than waiting for the ball. Stay on your toes and be ready to move in any direction. This helps develop reaction speed, coordination and ball control.
Drill 3: Shooting & Finishing – Develop confidence in front of goal
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1 football
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1 Target Goal
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1 player
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Footballs or cones to mark your starting position
Set up the Target Goal and choose a shooting position. Start with the ball at your feet and take a few touches before shooting towards your chosen target.
Once you become comfortable, vary your shooting position and practise finishing with both feet. You can also challenge yourself to score a certain number of goals in a row.
Football Flick tip:
Focus on accuracy before power. Pick your target before striking the ball and try to place your shot into the target rather than simply hitting it as hard as possible.
How to Build These Drills Into a Pre-Season Routine
You don’t need to spend hours training every day to make progress. The key is to train consistently and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves.
Try combining these three drills into a simple pre-season session:
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Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of light jogging, dynamic movements and stretches
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Passing & first touch: 10–15 minutes
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Speed & agility: 10–15 minutes
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Shooting & finishing: 15–20 minutes
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Cool-down: 5–10 minutes of light movement and stretching
Give yourself enough recovery time between sessions, especially when increasing the intensity of your training. The goal of pre-season is to build yourself up gradually, not do too much too soon.
Pre-season is a great opportunity for teenage players to return to football feeling fitter, sharper and more confident. By regularly working on passing, first touch, speed, agility and finishing, players can build a strong foundation before competitive matches begin.
Keep your sessions consistent, focus on good technique and gradually challenge yourself as you improve. With the right preparation, you can head into the new season ready to perform at your best.
